TRAINING SESSIONS

NETWORK SESSION

1st November 2006


Blogs, Wikis and RSS

This session is intended to provide an overview of three of the most useful Web2.0 tools that we can use as Mentors to provide support for:
  • the mentors
  • the probationary teachers (NQTs)

They are also very useful classroom tools that can be used to enhance our own learning and teaching.

These tools are BLOGS, WIKIS and RSS feeds.


SOFTWARE


In the course of the session I will be making use of the following online services:

WORDPRESS - My preferred blogging software, though there are many others out there (blogger, typepad, M$ LiveSpaces, etc.)
WIKISPACES - This is the online service used to create this site! Very easy to use, and very powerful.
NETVIBES - An online RSS reader. I actually prefer to use a stand alone reader, which I will discuss and demonstrate at the session, but I want to keep everything online in the first instance.

And, if we get time, I will also give a quick demonstration of the following:

flickr - The online photo sharing service which has immense potential in the classroom.
del.icio.us - An online 'favourites' with the added bonus of being searchable.


READING/HOMEWORK


These are some of the sites I'll refer to in the course of the session. You are welcome to read them at leisure and add to them if you wish.

The Probationer Teacher Blog
The Probationer Teacher Wiki

My Personal Blog
My Higher English Wiki

Edu.blog.com - Ewan McIntosh's site.
Cool Cat Teacher - Vicki Davis is one of the best there is... bar none! Lots and lots and lots of really practical advice on all things Web2.0 and education.